Riverfire's Biggest Upgrade Yet: A Sixth Barge, a C-17 Flyover, and Brisbane's Loudest Night of the Year

Brisbane's biggest night out is getting bigger. Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust returns Saturday 5 September to launch Brisbane Festival 2026, and this year's display is the most ambitious yet — a new sixth fireworks barge, positioned directly between Victoria Bridge and the new Neville Bonner Bridge, bringing the action closer to South Bank and the CBD than ever before.

It's a deliberate move to thicken the display right where the crowds are. A dedicated team of 30 pyrotechnicians will be working around the clock across the expanded multi-site network, orchestrating what organisers are calling a denser, more immersive show for the heart of the city.

The flyover everyone comes for

No Riverfire is complete without the roar overhead, and this year's aerial centrepiece is a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster — one of the largest aircraft in the ADF fleet — soaring low over Victoria Bridge. Ahead of the main event, the Globemaster will run a practice flyover during a media call at South Bank on Thursday 3 September, giving press an early look at the display before the crowds descend on Saturday.

Where to watch

The newly expanded Festival Village at South Bank's Cultural Forecourt is the place to be — organisers are promising an uninterrupted, front-row seat to the river network paired with a full festival atmosphere, rather than jostling for a park bench along the water.

What else is new

Riverfire launches Brisbane Festival 2026, running 4–26 September under new Artistic Director Ebony Bott's first full program — almost 2,000 artists, over 750 performances, and more than 70 per cent of it free. It's Bott's statement piece, and Riverfire is the loud, unmissable opening night.

The Urbanite will be at Thursday's media call, with photos and coverage to follow. Riverfire by Australian Retirement Trust lights up the sky Saturday 5 September at South Bank's Festival Village. Full program and tickets at brisbanefestival.com.au.